Speak with a Lawyer After a Head On Collision
Of all types of traffic accidents, a head-on car collision is the most likely to result in catastrophic injury or death. Although data suggests that head-on crashes account for a mere two percent of all motor vehicle accidents nationwide, they are responsible for 10 percent of all traffic-related deaths. The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Salamati Law advocate for victims of negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on crash and suffered injuries, we invite you to call us for a free case review.
What is a head on collision?
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two motor vehicles or trucks collide. In many cases, this type of crash occurs when a driver inadvertently crosses a median or dividing line, and hits an approaching vehicle. A head-on car accident may also result when a motorist intentionally or unintentionally travels the wrong-way down a highway or road.
What is a major cause of fatal head-on crashes?
A large percentage of fatal head-on collisions involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol, drugs (both prescription and illegal), or excessive fatigue.
Some of the leading causes of head-on crashes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- A driver’s inability to judge a safe gap in oncoming traffic when passing
- Inclement weather such as heavy rain that causes a car to skid uncontrollably when hitting the brakes
- Wrong-way driving
- Tire blowouts
- Excessive speed and loss of control on a curve
Head on collision injuries
Although head-on car accidents occur infrequently compared to rear-end collisions, when they do occur, they often leave victims with life-threatening injuries. The speed and weight of the vehicles involved has a significant impact on the injuries and damage sustained in a frontal crash.
Common injuries seen with head-on collisions:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Head and skull trauma
- Neck injuries such as whiplash
- Rib fractures
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis
- Damage to vital organs
- Lower extremity injuries, particularly broken femurs
Head on collision survival rate
According to one Oxford Journal study, the odds of dying in a head-on crash are reduced by approximately two-thirds when the driver is in a vehicle equipped with air bags and is wearing a seat belt. Survival rate will also depend on the weight of each vehicle and the speed at the time of impact.
A separate study on head-on collision survival rates conducted at Indiana University-Purdue University found that chances of survival are increased when:
- Driving a newer vehicle
- Driving a vehicle with a larger mass
- Being younger and male
- Having working airbags that deploy during the crash
In 2007, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reviewed crash records from the NHTSA database, finding that head-on accidents were more deadly in cases where less of the front of each vehicle was involved. In other words, head-on crashes that are slightly off-kilter, and not dead-square yield more fatal injuries.
Head on crash settlement
If you have suffered grave injuries or lost a loved one in a head-on collision caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you may eligible for monetary compensation. An experienced attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence and interview witnesses to establish liability. In many cases, evidence such as skid marks, accident debris and eyewitness testimony are used to demonstrate the responsible party.
Recovering from a head-on is often a lengthy and costly process, which is why victims deserve the highest compensation possible to meet ongoing medical care needs. In accidents that result in amputation, paralysis or severe brain trauma, victims will need sufficient funds to cover the cost of life-long care.
Settlement payouts will account for losses such as:
- Lost income
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of future earnings
However, there are several factors that may influence the amount of a head-on collision settlement. If the plaintiff is partially at-fault for the collision, the payout will be lowered. Alternatively, the settlement may be increased when medical records indicate the victim’s injuries have caused a loss of ability to perform valued activities, or are permanently disabled.
In our experience, the injuries stemming from head-ons collisions can rack up massive medical bills- easily totaling more than $100,000, which is why it’s important that you partner with a qualified lawyer who is both trial-ready and a skilled negotiator. Attorney Sean Salamati will work diligently to help you obtain the best settlement possible in the wake of a catastrophic car accident.
Head on car crash lawyer
The Los Angeles-based personal injury attorneys at Salamati Law are dedicated to providing the highest caliber of legal representation to injury victims. Over the past years, we have successfully procured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our valued clients. We understand the physical, emotional and financial burdens caused by head-on collisions, and can immediately launch an investigation to determine fault.
To learn more about your legal options, please call our offices to schedule a free consultation. 888-259-4060.
Head on collisions resources
- SafetyTransportation.org, Head-On Collisions http://safety.transportation.org/htmlguides/HOcrashes/exec_sum.htm
- National Transportation Safety Board, Wrong way Driving Report http://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Documents/SIR1201.pdf
- NHTSA, Correlation Of NCAP Performance with Fatality Risk in Actual Head-On Collisions http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/regrev/evaluate/808061.html
- Oxford Journals, Mortality Reduction with Air Bag and Seat Belt Use in Head-on Passenger Car Collisions http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/153/3/219.full
- RoadandTrack.com, Anatomy of a high-speed car crash http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/features/a4916/features-web-originals-anatomy-of-a-high-speed-car-crash/
